The Universidad de Manila (UdM) (formerly known as City College of Manila and also known as Gat Andrés Bonifacio University) is a publicuniversity in Manila, Philippines. It is one of the two city-funded universities of Manila,[1]

Apart from its main campus, the university maintains satellite centers in many parts of the City of Manila such as Escolta, Recto, Del Pan, San Andres, Dapitan and Tayuman.[3]

The university's original name is City College of Manila (CCM). In 2007, when Alfredo Lim was re-elected as mayor, he reverted UDM to its original name; a few months into office, he renamed it Universidad de Manila.

The founder of the university, Mayor Alfredo Lim, said that the "egalitarian UDM complements the elite PLM. For its part, the City College delivers practical education to average student."[4]

In its early years, and before it acquired its current name and status, many controversies haunted the CCM. Among the issues were the low passing rates that it had received and its proposed transformation into a district college of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.[7] PLM and the CCM students opposed the plan; thus, it never materialized.

In early 2005, many environmental groups resisted the construction of the new building at the Mehan Garden, but there were organizations that backed the move.[8] Later on, the City Council unanimously voted in favor of transferring the CCM's main building to the site, and the construction of a five-storey edifice ensued.[5][9] In that same year, the CCM integrated sports in its curriculum in line with the plan of establishing the Manila Sports Academy, which is tasked to provide free college education to deserving athletes and outstanding performers and develop future sports educators.[10][11] Additionally, the college took part in the enforcement of English as the medium of instruction.[12][13]

A year later, Manila City officials, including Mayor Lito Atienza, initiated the elevation of CCM to a university to promote higher learning and provide more opportunities to Manila youth for a quality education. By virtue of the amendments of Ordinance No. 7885, which was authored by majority floor leader Ernesto Dionisio and some members of the majority bloc, the CCM acquired the name Universidad de Manila (UDM).[14] During the same year, UDM hosted the International Youth Expo, with the theme, "Showcasing an Ideal World through Visuals."[15]

In 2007, the Commission on Higher Education allowed the UDM to confer postgraduate studies. On November 30 of the same year, during the commemoration of the 144th birth anniversary of Andrés Bonifacio, Lim renamed the school in honor of Bonifacio, who despite of financial difficulties pursued knowledge through self-education.[16]

The university's ten colleges offer courses from bachelor to postgraduate degree programs. Degree programs, such as Criminology, Social Work, Physical Therapy and Nursing, are considered as the University's pilot courses.

For five straight years, the College of Criminology has consistently been ranked by the Professional Regulation Commission as the leading criminology school in the Philippines out of 196 participating schools.[17]

The College of Nursing is affiliated with Gat. Andres Memorial Medical Center, Ospital ng Sampaloc, Ospital ng Tondo, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, and other health centers in Metro Manila. It was recognized as the Top 3 nursing school in the Philippines by the Professional Regulation Commission in the June 2007 Nursing Licensure Examination. But it's decelerating performance failed to make a cut against UP, UST, PLM, Cebu Doctor's University, Siliman University, etc.

The College of Physical Therapy is located at the main campus, and it is affiliated with the Philippine Orthopedic Center, RMR Physical and Occupational Therapy Clinic, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Ospital ng Maynila, Santa Ana Hospital, Dr. Fe Del Mundo Medical Center and Foundation, Medical Center Muntinlupa, Hospicio de San Jose, and other hospitals and health centers in Metro Manila. In the 2007, 2008, and 2010 board examinations, the college produced 100% passing rate; two of its passers ranked second and fourth among the list of top examinees nationwide.

The university is open to all graduating high school students of Manila public schools and out-of-school youth. Application forms are free and can be secured at the Office of Registrar. Applicants must meet all requirements provided below before he or she is eligible to take the Admission Test.[18]

For graduating high school students Accomplished application form; Photocopy of High School Card, with 2nd quarter grades duly certified by the School Principal or Class Adviser; Photocopy of Birth Certificate; Parent Voter ID or 2008 Income Tax Return Form; 2 pieces 1.5 x 1.5 colored ID picture with name tag in white background; and, 1 long folder.

The university started with some 2,000 enrollees[6] until its population increased to 6,000. From October 2005 to January 2006, 1,051 students out of 1,600 enrollees graduated in their selected courses. Some 290 students finished the basic computer course while 11 finished the photo silkscreen and signage course. The assessment report prepared by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority showed that 234 examinees passed the knowledge assessment, while 189 passed the skills assessment, which resulted to a 100% passing rate in January 2006.[14]

The University's sports teams are nicknamed the Merlions. Student athletes participate in the Alculympics,[19][20] National Students Basketball Championship, Manila Youth Games, and other intramural sports.[21]